How We Believe

History of Conservative Laestadianism

Lars Levi Laestadius, rector of the Karesuando parish, received the living gospel proclaimed by a Sámi girl named Maria. As a result, Laestadius’ sermons underwent a transformation, and people began to come to the Karesuando church from great distances to hear his sermons. The established revival movement has been called “Laestadianism” since the 1880s. The awakening expanded rapidly among the Sámi- and Finnish-speaking populations, and services were arranged in various parts of Northern Scandinavia.

Laestadius’s co-worker, Juhani Raattamaa, preached in Finnish. During their time it became common to use the words “in Jesus’ name and blood” to proclaim forgiveness of sins. This biblical proclamation, which focuses on the core of the gospel, is still the main message of Conservative Laestadians. When the movement’s gatherings became regular events in the late 1800s, various communities established Associations of Peace (RYs) to handle the practical aspects of arranging services. The Central Association of the Finnish Associations of Peace (SRK) was established in 1914 to serve the local associations.

Today there are more than 180 independently operating RYs (congregations) in Finland. Their sister organizations operate in Sweden, Norway, Russia, Estonia, Canada, the United States, Togo, and Ghana.

How we believe

The basis of the doctrine in Conservative Laestadianism is the Bible and the Lutheran Confession. We believe that the Bible is the highest authority in matters of faith and life. The central issue in Conservative Laestadianism is the sermon about the teachings of Jesus, as well as His suffering, death, and resurrection. A person is justified solely by faith, solely by grace, and solely through the merit of Christ.

According to Christian doctrine, the work of Christ continues here on earth through the work of the Holy Spirit in His congregation, where God justifies the sinner. Jesus has given the congregation and its members the duty of proclaiming the gospel to all people through the power of the Holy Spirit. The core of the gospel is the remission of sins in Jesus’ name and blood. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of Christ.

This saving gospel has traveled from biblical times to the present day in this way; a person hears the proclaimed gospel, believes it, and then preaches it to the next generation.

Also today, at these Summer Services, it is possible to hear the gospel of the kingdom of God proclaimed and believe one’s sins forgiven based on the atonement made by Jesus.